This long weekend retreat combines introductory meditation teaching with yoga. This playful synthesis of body-based approaches to wellbeing (through meditation and yoga) in the peaceful and beautiful environment of the retreat can help restore physical and mental vitality and balance in our lives. 

We will cover an introduction to two traditional Buddhist meditations as well as give a solid introduction to the principles of meditation. We will also be exploring some traditional Buddhist teachings to get a flavour of how these might be relevant to our modern lives. 

No previous experience of meditation and yoga is assumed so these retreats are suitable for complete beginners, and they are also a good refresher for those who already have some experience.

For more information, read the retreat information sheet. 

Time on retreat gives an ideal space to experience ourselves differently and discover new perspectives. This retreat will explore some of the core principles of Buddhism and meditation, in particular, how the Buddha’s clarity on the human condition can bring more meaning, richness and purpose to our lives. The teaching will seek to keep things simple and direct, so practical and relevant to the challenges of modern life.

Over the course of the retreat you will learn two main meditation practices - the mindfulness of breathing and the metta bhavana (loving kindness). These practices help us develop calm, positive and alert states of mind. We also teach practical ways to help you cope with states of anxiety and reduce distraction.

Central to the Buddha’s teachings is the importance of developing body awareness. During the retreat, we will be practising ways of becoming more embodied, both on the meditation cushion and in our everyday lives. Each day we will engage in some light body work or movement activity. 

No previous experience of meditation or Buddhism is assumed, so these retreats are suitable for complete beginners, and they are also a good refresher for those who already have some experience. For more information, read the retreat information sheet. 

Are you new to Dhanakosa? Watch our short film to get a sense of the centre, landscape and what it's like being on retreat here. 

Rooting our exploration in the well-known Karaṇīya Mettā Sutta, we’ll embark on an exploration of mettā for “oneself,” mettā for “others,” and mettā as an expression of reality itself.

Pratītyasamutpāda teaches that reality is relational. If this is so, what are the consequences for our relationship with our minds and bodies, our values and ideals, as well as our shadows and shortcomings? What does this mean for our interpersonal relationships, our social networks, and our institutions? And how might mettā be perceived or expressed from a fully awakened consciousness?

Prepare to go deeper into one of the oldest Buddhist texts, looking at the heart of Buddhist thought, metaphysics, and meditation practice. We’ll explore through body, heart and mind.

The retreat will include talks on the Buddha’s philosophy, groups for reflection and enquiry into our understanding and experience, meditation to deepen the practice, and movement sessions to further explore and embody awakened perspectives on reality. For more information, read the retreat information sheet. 

Are you new to Dhanakosa? Watch our short film to get a sense of the centre, landscape and what it's like being on retreat here. 

Seeing the dangers confronting humankind these days, we can feel depressed, demoralised and helpless to avert disaster - or even to talk about such feelings. This retreat provides a space to talk about and to explore an extraordinary sequence of reflections and communal practices that can rekindle an ‘active hope’ and vision for humanity. 

The retreat takes its title from a book called Active Hope co-authored by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnston. Having studied Buddhism, Joanna went on to develop this sequence of exercises and reflections to help us move from despair to hope. Such hope is far more than something vague and passive, it's creating a vision for humanity, a future which we can contribute to and actively help bring about.

The retreat will be focused around Joanna Macy's workshop exercises 'the spiral of the work that reconnects'. Each day will include meditation and movement to help us assimilate and process what is stirred by the workshops. There will also be periods of silence overnight. No prior experience will be assumed and all necessary tuition will be provided. 

For more information, including detail of the workshops and daily programme, see the retreat information sheet. You can also watch Smritiratna's short video about the retreat here. 

Are you new to Dhanakosa? Watch our short film to get a sense of the centre, landscape and what it's like being on retreat here. 

There are no single rooms available on this retreat.

Imagine being able to meet the world with love, no matter what life throws at us. To actually live with the intention of love towards everything, be it joy, sorrow, or the whole mix in the show of life. 

The Brahma Viharas are a set of meditation practices that invite us to engage with this territory of love in the most optimistic and hopeful way and give us clear guidance on how to cultivate not only love, but also compassion, joy and equanimity. 

Giving very practical instructions on how to work with love in all aspects of life, from what to do when we encounter suffering, to how to deal with success and joy, they also point out how we can live in a way that is less bound up with our ego-driven motives and instead go beyond likes and dislikes by dwelling in equanimity, making possible a freedom of heart we could only dream of before.

We will work with embodiment in our meditation practice and what it actually means to experience ourselves as humans, cultivating a curious and interested attention to being alive which then allows us to deeply engage with the Brahma Viharas and to open to wisdom and insight. 

This retreat is open to people who have been on retreat before and have a regular meditation practice. The retreat will be conducted mostly in silence, and will normally have between 5 and 7 hours a day of sitting meditation. For more information, read the retreat information sheet and find a short video introduction to the retreat from Advayasiddhi here. 

There are no single rooms available on this retreat.

A new 3 night version of our popular weekend introduction to meditation and Buddhism. Give yourself the gift of stepping back from everyday life for a few days and finding fresh perspective, in the wild and beautiful landscape of Balquhidder Glen.

We will introduce two traditional Buddhist meditations: the mindfulness of breathing and the development of loving kindness (metta bhavana). We will also share some key elements of the Buddhist tradition. As well as giving a grounding in the basic principles of Buddhism and meditation, these retreats are an ideal reflective situation in which to take a fresh look at your life. 

These retreats are suitable for complete beginners to meditation as well as being an ideal refresher for those who already have some experience. For more information, read the retreat information sheet.

Are you new to Dhanakosa? Watch our short film to get a sense of the centre, landscape and what it's like being on retreat here. 

A new 5 night version of this popular retreat - start your year with a nourishing mix of movement and meditation, connecting with yourself and others in the winter landscape of Balquhidder Glen. 

The retreat combines introductory meditation teaching with a blend of traditional yoga and contemporary approaches to embodied movement. This playful synthesis of body-based approaches to well-being in the peaceful and supportive environment of the retreat can help you find ease and balance in your life. 

We will introduce two traditional Buddhist meditations and offer a solid introduction to the principles of meditation, giving you tools and practices that you can continue at home. We will also explore some traditional Buddhist teachings to get a sense of how these might be relevant in modern life. 

No previous experience of meditation, yoga or embodied movement is assumed, so these retreats are suitable for complete beginners, and they are also a good refresher for those who already have some experience. For more information, read the retreat information sheet. 

There are no single rooms available on this retreat.

Join Amayaraja and Candradhi at Dhanakosa for a weekend of practice and connection with young Buddhists from across Scotland and beyond. 

Drawing on the Buddha’s teachings, the weekend offers a simple, supportive space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect—with ourselves, each other, and the world around us.

Alongside meditation there will be simple ritual, shared reflection, and time outdoors—offering different ways to engage with the teachings and bring them to life in our own experience. Through practice, conversation, and community, we’ll explore ways of living with greater awareness, love, and ease.

The retreat is open to young people aged 35 and under with all levels of experience. Come and join us!

For more information, read the retreat information sheet.

Are you new to Dhanakosa? Watch our short film to get a sense of the centre, landscape and what it's like being on retreat here. 

Time on retreat gives an ideal space to experience ourselves differently and discover new perspectives. This retreat will explore some of the core principles of Buddhism and meditation, in particular, how the Buddha’s clarity on the human condition can bring more meaning, richness and purpose to our lives. The teaching will seek to keep things simple and direct, so practical and relevant to the challenges of modern life.

Over the course of the retreat you will learn two main meditation practices - the mindfulness of breathing and the metta bhavana (loving kindness). These practices help us develop calm, positive and alert states of mind. We also teach practical ways to help you cope with states of anxiety and reduce distraction.

Central to the Buddha’s teachings is the importance of developing body awareness. During the retreat, we will be practising ways of becoming more embodied, both on the meditation cushion and in our everyday lives. Each day we will engage in some light body work or movement activity. 

No previous experience of meditation or Buddhism is assumed, so these retreats are suitable for complete beginners, and they are also a good refresher for those who already have some experience. For more information, read the retreat information sheet. 

Are you new to Dhanakosa? Watch our short film to get a sense of the centre, landscape and what it's like being on retreat here.